The research team said that it was now able to obtain every type of gene by turning the RNA of a vaccine virus (O type) into DNA with the technology of reverse genetics. (Image:APQA)
SEOUL, Sept. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – A new technology has been developed that enables speedy manufacturing of vaccine seed viruses for foot and mouth disease, regardless of the type.
A research team led by Park Jong-hyeon at the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) said that it had succeeded in creating a gene substitution system that makes the production of vaccine seed viruses quicker and easier for the mass-production of vaccines.
Foot and mouth diseases are categorized into seven types by their serotypes, and are further subcategorized into a variety of detailed types by their gene base sequences.
Up until now, vaccines for foot and mouth disease could not be produced unless the right type of vaccine seed virus was obtained, and vaccine seed viruses have typically been imported from abroad for domestic use. As such, it usually took Korean companies one or two years to produce a vaccine.
The research team said that it was now able to obtain every type of gene by turning the RNA (a genetic information transmitting material) of a vaccine virus (O type) into DNA with the technology of reverse genetics.
Simply put, once the genetic information of a foot and mouth disease virus is obtained, any type of vaccine seed viruses can now be made from the DNA synthesizing process.
The new technology is the first of its kind, added the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency.
When making use of the new technology, the production period of a new vaccine seed virus can be shortened to three to six months, which drastically reduces the length of time required to mass produce vaccines. Details of the new technology were published in the latest edition of Journal of Virology, a renowned scientific journal in the study of viruses.
The source technology will be transferred to the business industry so that better conditions for privately-led domestic vaccine production can be created, said an official from the APQA.
J.A. Kang (jakang@koreabizwire.com)
